Three years have passed since the Marshall Fire ravaged a tranquil suburban area to the northwest of Denver, Colorado, causing widespread devastation. The fierce, wind-driven flames obliterated entire communities, rendering homes to cinders, uprooting families, and changing lives permanently. Now, those who endured this disaster are sharing their hard-won knowledge to assist those dealing with the consequences of wildfires in Los Angeles.
For Melanie Glover, who endured the Marshall Fire, the ordeal was terrifying. On December 30, 2021, she found herself caught in traffic as her loved ones desperately sought to flee their blazing residence. Unable to assist, Glover anxiously listened to their distressing situation over the phone, hoping fervently for their safety. Once the initial threat subsided, the emotional scars remained. As time stretched from weeks to months, she faced the daunting task of emotionally and practically reconstructing her life.
Glover’s recovery was not solely due to her own resilience; the encouragement she received from others who had weathered comparable tragedies played a crucial role. Individuals who had gone through the Waldo Canyon Fire, which devastated Colorado Springs a decade before, offered their stories and guidance, fostering a feeling of unity and optimism. Presently, Glover, along with many other Marshall Fire survivors, is giving back by supporting those affected by the recent wildfires in California.
Fostering connections among survivors
In January 2025, the Palisades and Eaton Fires caused significant devastation throughout Los Angeles, demolishing houses and uprooting numerous families. Aware of the immense difficulties these victims encountered, Julie DiBiase, a Boulder local connected to both Colorado and California, created a Facebook group named “From the Mountains to the Beach.” This platform aimed to connect Marshall Fire survivors with those impacted by the wildfires in California.
In January 2025, the Palisades and Eaton Fires wreaked havoc across Los Angeles, destroying homes and displacing countless families. Recognizing the overwhelming challenges these victims faced, Julie DiBiase, a Boulder resident with ties to both Colorado and California, launched a Facebook group called “From the Mountains to the Beach.” This group was meant to serve as a bridge between survivors of the Marshall Fire and those affected by the California wildfires.
Una de las integrantes del grupo, Anna Ballou, lo descubrió por casualidad mientras buscaba en línea orientación para enfrentar las secuelas de un incendio forestal. Aunque la casa alquilada de Ballou escapó de las llamas, quedó cubierta de hollín, cenizas y productos químicos utilizados en la extinción del fuego. Estaba preocupada por los posibles riesgos para la salud de su familia y la incertidumbre de habitar una vivienda que no les pertenecía.
A través del grupo, Ballou se comunicó con sobrevivientes del Incendio de Marshall que habían enfrentado problemas similares. Sus consejos resultaron invaluables, proporcionándole una guía para tratar con compañías de seguros, empresas de remediación y propietarios. “Gracias a sus experiencias, estamos mucho más informados sobre qué medidas adoptar,” afirmó Ballou.
Transforming adversity into action
For individuals like DiBiase and Glover, assisting others has brought them a sense of purpose following their own traumatic experiences. DiBiase found motivation from another Facebook group founded by Marshall Fire survivor Meryl Suissa. Originally intended as a platform for direct exchanges between donors and survivors, Suissa’s group grew into a comprehensive resource for disaster recovery. Now, Suissa has modified the concept to aid California wildfire victims, offering guidance and gathering resources drawn from insights gained during the Marshall Fire.
Suissa destacó que el apoyo comunitario es fundamental en la recuperación tras un desastre. “La mayor parte del proceso de recuperación proviene de las personas—tus vecinos, negocios locales y organizaciones de base,” comentó. “Son las pequeñas conexiones humanas las que marcan la mayor diferencia.”
Her work goes further than just offering immediate support. Suissa is pushing for the creation of a central hub where disaster survivors can access trustworthy information and assistance. She imagines a system encompassing everything from updates on debris clearance to organizing donations, so survivors don’t have to face the recovery journey by themselves.
Restoring with strength
Rebuilding with resilience
“When people hear ‘Earth home,’ they often envision something unusual or quirky,” Glover remarked. “However, I sought to demonstrate that it’s possible to create a stunning, practical dwelling that’s also sustainable and resistant to fires.”
Glover se encuentra actualmente adaptando los diseños de casas de tierra para cumplir con las normativas de construcción específicas de California, con la esperanza de motivar a otros a considerar enfoques similares. Al compartir su experiencia, busca concienciar sobre métodos de construcción alternativos que puedan reducir el impacto de los incendios forestales.
Una comunidad que recuerda siempre
A common sentiment among survivors is the experience of being overlooked. While natural disasters capture media attention right after they occur, the public’s focus soon moves on to the next catastrophe. For those affected, though, the path to recovery is lengthy and challenging.
One of the recurring themes among survivors is the feeling of being forgotten. Natural disasters often dominate headlines in the immediate aftermath, but public attention quickly shifts to the next crisis. For survivors, however, the journey to recovery is long and arduous.
Este sentimiento de comunidad ha sido el núcleo de las redes de apoyo entre sobrevivientes que han surgido tras los recientes incendios forestales. Desde Colorado hasta California, estas redes están demostrando que, incluso ante pérdidas inimaginables, las personas pueden unirse para reconstruir comunidades más fuertes y resilientes.
This sense of community has been at the heart of the survivor-to-survivor support networks emerging in the wake of recent wildfires. From Colorado to California, these networks are proving that even in the face of unimaginable loss, people can come together to rebuild stronger, more resilient communities.
As Glover continues to share her experiences and advocate for sustainable rebuilding practices, she reflects on a piece of wisdom she once heard: “Find your pain, and you find your purpose.” For her, that purpose has become clear—helping others navigate the challenges of recovery and inspiring hope for the future.
In the aftermath of devastation, these survivors are showing that healing is not just about rebuilding homes; it’s about rebuilding lives, one connection at a time. Through their efforts, they are turning tragedy into an opportunity to create a more supportive and resilient future for wildfire-affected communities.
